Osaka train route guide. How much can we use JR Pass in Osaka? How to choose the best route by train to get the major spots in Osaka?

osaka shin imamiyaOsaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Nara
Click to enlarge (C) JP Rail
Click to enlarge (C) JP Rail
Dotonbori is "Must-See" place in Osaka.  	©Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau/©JNTO
Dotonbori is “Must-See” place in Osaka. ©Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau/©JNTO

I wrote about train system in Kyoto before. But I have received many inquiries about Osaka too. I think it is very complicated for travellers from overseas. There are three types of railway, JR, Osaka Municipal Subway and Private company’s railways. Once you understand train system, you can find the best location to stay, the best deal for trains ride and the fastest way to visit that you want to see.

As probably you know, there are many types of deals, such as ICOCA, Kansai Thru Pass, JR Pass, Kansai Area Pass, Osaka Subway Eco Card and Osaka Unlimited Pass. Each pass has different conditions. You must understand the coverage of your pass.

In this post, I tell you about using these deals and explain all train systems in Osaka.

Which train services that are covered by ICOCA, Kansai Thru Pass, subway deals and other JR deals

Many deals are available in Kansai area. But each pass have different coverage. I tell you about major passes and deals.

For the travellers who use ICOCA, Kansai one pass, Suica, Pasmo or other IC cards

You can take all trains on the map above except Shinkansen. When you travel in Kansai area, don’t try to take Shinkansen for such a short transfer, like going to Kyoto or Kobe. Please see the post, How to transfer among Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe. Compare Japan Railway and private lines.

ICOCA does not cover Osaka city bus service too. But I don’t think you have many chances to take city bus in Osaka. You can go anywhere by train services. Train is much faster than bus.

For the travellers who use Kansai Thru Pass and Rainbow Card

Please see the map below:

Click to enlarge (C) JP Rail
Click to enlarge (C) JP Rail

Kansai Thru Pass is unlimited ride pass and Rainbow Card is pre-paid card for most of NON JR trains in Osaka.

The only place where you can’t go by these deals is USJ. But if you don’t care about riding city bus, you can catch the bus at Nishikujo station. Nishikujo can be accessed by Hanshin Railway that is covered by Kansai Thru Pass. Even if you pay for JR train, the fare is 160 yen foe one way. It is not a big deal. I will explain about access to Universal Studion Japan later.

JR Pass, Kansai Area Pass, Kansai WIDE Area Pass, Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass, Sanyo Sanin Area Pass, Kansai Hokuriku Aea Pass, Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass, Hokuriku Arch Pass

Please see the map below:

Click to enlarge (C) JP Rail
Click to enlarge (C) JP Rail

Many places can be accessed by JR Pass and other JR deals. I explained JR train network in the post below. Please refer it:

Osaka subway Enjoy Eco Card and Osaka Unlimited Pass

Please see the map below:

Click to enlarge (C) JP Rail
Click to enlarge (C) JP Rail

Enjoy Eco Card covers Osaka subway and city bus. Osaka Unlimited Pass includes unlimited ride of subway and bus, and free admission for major attractions in Osaka. There are one day and two day available. But coverage is a bit different. One day covers subway, bus and major private railways, like Hanshin, Nankai, Keihan and Kintetsu. It is very similar to Kansai Thru Pass. But two day pass covers subway and bus only. When you choose this deal, please make sure your itinerary and which train you need to get on.

As long as you can take subway, most of places can be reached by subway.

How to access to major spots in Osaka by train

Most of places in Osaka can be accessed by train. I would like to share the information of access to major spots with you.

Namba, Dotonbori, Houzenji and Shinsaibashi area

There are so many restaurants in Dotonbori area. ©JNTO
There are so many restaurants in Dotonbori area. ©JNTO

You can reach Namba by many ways.

  • Namba station (Nankai Railways) to/from Kansai Airport (KIX), Mt. Koya (Koyasan) and Wakayama
  • Namba station (Osaka Subway Midousuji line, Yotsubashi line and Sennichimae line) to/from Umeda, Nishi-Umeda, Tennoji
  • Osaka-Namba station (Hanshin Railways) to/from Sannomiya, Kobe and Himeji
  • Osaka-Namba station (Kintetsu Railways) to/from Nara, Ise and Nagoya
  • JR Namba station (JR) to/from Tennoji, Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Kansai Airport (KIX

As I mentioned above, JR Namba station is not located in the core of Namba. JR Namba is closed to Subway Yotsubashi line Namba station and Sennichimae line’s Sakuragawa station is actually closer than Namba station.


View Namba in a larger map

Nankai Railways is the best way to get Namba from Kansai Airport. And also train runs to Mt. Koya.

Hanshin Railways and Kintetsu Railways trains go through each other. And their station is “Osaka-Namba” station. When you search on Hyperdia, you can find Osaka-Namba. It’s not Namba for these train companies but Osaka-Namba. If you stay in Namba and want to go to Nara or Kobe, you can use these train companies. You can go there directly from Namba.

If you go to Nara, you can catch Kintetsu Railway’s train at Osaka-Namba station. Please see the post below to learn more about access to Nara:

Shinsaibashi is one station away from Namba by subway. But Namba and Shinsaibashi are connected by shopping arcade. Dotonbori is located between Namba and Shinsaibashi. And also Shinsaibashi is connected with Yotsubashi and Nihonbashi by underground. So most of places in Namba can be accessed by walk.

Umeda

Umeda Sky Building is one of popular spots in Umeda area. ©JNTO
Umeda Sky Building is one of popular spots in Umeda area. ©JNTO

Umeda and Namba are two biggest downtown core in Osaka. There are many department stores and shopping complex in Umeda area. In Umeda area, only JR station is called “Osaka”. JR Osaka station and other railway’s Umeda station are located in same area.

There are many stations in Umeda.

  • Osaka station (JR Kobe line, Kyoto line, Osaka Kanjo line) to/from Kansai Airport (KIX), Shin-Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, USJ, Tennoji
  • Umeda station (Osaka Subway Midousuji line) to/from Namba, Shin-Osaka, Tennoji
  • Umeda station (Hanshin Railways) to/from Sannomiya, Kobe and Himeji
  • Umeda station (Hankyu Railways) to/from Kawaramachi, Arashiyama, Shijo, Sannomiya, Takarazuka
  • Higashi-Umeda station (Osaka Subway Tanimachi line) to/from Uehonmachi/Tanimachi Kyuchome, Tennoji
  • Nishi-Umeda station (Osaka Subway Yotsubashi line) to/from Namba
  • Kitashinchi station (JR Tozai line) to/from Namba

Please see the post below to get more detail about Osaka and Umeda station area:

Tenpozan, Kaiyukan

Kaiyukan is located in this Tenpozan waterfront area. ©Osaka Government Tourism Bureau/©JNTO
Kaiyukan is located in this Tenpozan waterfront area. ©Osaka Government Tourism Bureau/©JNTO

Osaka Subway Chuo line’s Osakako station is the nearest station. You can catch Chuo line’s train at Honmachi, Bentencho and many other places. If you stay in Umeda or Namba, simple take Midousuji line or Yotsubashi line train and transfer to Chuo line’s train at Honmachi. If you are JR Pass user, you can get Bentencho by Osaka Kanjo line from Osaka or Tennoji. You have to pay extra on top of your pass for taking subway from Bentencho.

USJ is located just across the river. But there is no direct train or bus. Please see next chapter to get USJ from Tenpozan.

Universal Studion Japan (USJ)

USJ at the entrance

JR Yumesaki line’s Universal City station is the nearest station. There is no subway or private railway’s service available. If you are not JR train user, you can catch the pass to USJ at Nishikujo station.

If you want to access to Tenpozan/Kaiyukan from USJ, shuttle cruise service is the fastest and only direct way to connect both places.

Shuttle Cruise Capt. Line

Otherwise you have to take Universal City station – Nishikujo station – Bentencho station – Osakako station route. It is a big detour.

Osakajo (Osaka castle)

Osaka castle is one of popular spot to see cherry blossom in Osaka. ©Osaka Government Tourism Bureau/©JNTO
Osaka castle is one of popular spot to see cherry blossom in Osaka. ©Osaka Government Tourism Bureau/©JNTO

There are several stations around Osaka castle. You can access there from Tenmabashi station (Keihan Railway), Tanimachi-Yonchome station (Subway Tanimachi line), Osakajo-Koen station (JR), Osaka Business Park station (Subway Nagahori-Tsurumi Ryokuchi line), and Morinomiya station (JR). The nearest stations to access to the castle are Tenmabashi and Tanimachi-Yonchome. Other stations are okay, but these stations are closed to Osaka Castle Park.

Shinsekai, Tennoji zoo

You can feel real tradition of Osaka in Shinsekai.   	©Osaka Government Tourism Bureau/©JNTO
You can feel real tradition of Osaka in Shinsekai. ©Osaka Government Tourism Bureau/©JNTO

Shinsekai is old town of Osaka. There is very traditional shopping arcade. Tsutenkaku tower is located in Shinsekai area. This area can be accessed from JR and Nankai Railway’s Shin-Imamiya station.

Tennoji Zoo is located between Tennoji station and Dobutsuenmae station. (Dobutsuenma means “in front of zoo”.)

Minoo falls

Minoo is located outside downtown Osaka. Most of city deals, such as Osaka subway pass does not cover Minoo falls. Only Kansai Thru Pass covers this falls.

You need to take Hankyu Railway Takarazuka line train from Umeda to Ishibashi. And then take another Hankyu Railway Minoo line train to Minoo. You can change trains at Ishibashi very easily. Trip time is around 35 minutes from Umeda to Minoo.

In the peak season, like fall foliage season, the direct train service runs between Umeda and Minoo.

Instant Ramen Museum

This museum is located outside downtown Osaka either. Most of city deals, such as Osaka subway pass does not cover this attraction. Only Kansai Thru Pass covers the trip to Instant Ramen Museum.

You need to take Hankyu Railway Takarazuka line train from Umeda to Ikeda. Trip time is around 20 minutes from Umeda to Ikeda.

Comments

  1. Mohamad Azlan says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    I am going to Osaka this February and I still can’t decide what pass to use. This is our planned itinerary, hopefully you can help

    First day:
    9:20 am arrive at KIX
    Rinku town
    Homestay (Namba)
    Hard Rock Cafe
    Lukes Lobster

    Second day:
    Nara deer park
    Osaka Jo
    Kuromon Market
    Shinsaibashi/Dotonburi

    Third day:
    kyoto

    Fourth day:
    USJ

    Fifth day:
    Kobe

    Sixth day:
    Biwako Valley
    Umeda sky building
    Osaka water clock

    should i buy the one day pass or kansai wide pass?

  2. Mary Ann Forbes says:

    Dear Takeshi,

    My family and I are looking forward for the hanami season. We’ll be there from April 2-12. I am a bit confused with what tickets or pass is the best to buy. Especially during hanami season if it’s best to just take trains and subways because of the crowd. We have used JR Pass before (Haneda-Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka-KIX) and JR Kansai Hiroshima Pass (KIX-Hiroshima-Miyajima-Kyoto-Osaka). This time we stay at Namba and intend to explore the following:
    Day 1- KIX – Namba (explore Dotonburi, Kuromon Market)
    Day 2 – Osaka Castle, Kema Sakuranomiya Park, Japan Mint,
    Shinsaibashi
    Day 3 – Day trip to Nara Park and maybe Kobe
    Day 4 – Himeji Castle
    Day 5 – Mount Yoshino
    Day 6 – Kyoto (Gion – Maruyama Park)
    Day 7 – Kyoto Railway Museum, Kinkakuji – Philosopher’s Walk
    Day 8 – Arashiyama – Romantic train – Bamboo Groves
    Day 9 – Explore Osaka (free and easy)
    Day 10 – Explore Kyoto (free and easy)
    Day 11 – Namba to KIX
    Please advise us of combination of discounted passes plus ICOCA Card. Which is the most economical way? Also, is it advisable that we explore all Osaka and nearby places like Nara and Kobe and Himeji first and then Kyoto and Arashiyama?
    Option 2: Just in case we use one of our free and easy day to Hiroshima and Miyajima. Will the JR Kansai Hiroshima pass pay off? Thanks so much in advance Takeshi!

  3. Salsa says:

    Morning Takeshi!

    I’m Travelling to Japan From 15 – 22 Feb 2017. Actually I travelling with my family (mother, father, sister, me, my husband and my 2 years old child). This is our first time go to this country. Actually, I feel confused about transportation. We bought JR Pass, its right or no?

    Here our itin :
    Day 1 Osaka (kix – temmabashi) – osaka castle – amerikamura – dontobori
    Day 2 Universal studio
    Day 3 Osaka – kyoto ( plan to distrik gion)
    Day 4 Kyoto – tokyo (In the morning fushimi anari, night to tokyo)
    Day 5 Kasai – Echigo Yuzawa
    Day 6 Kasai – Disney Land
    Day 7 Tokyo City Tour (shibuya, harajukum ,shinjuku, tokyo tower)
    Day 8 Kasai – Haneda Airport (my family)
    Kasai – narita (my parents)

    and if we go to city (exp in osaka, to osaka castle etc, tokyo city tour) are we need to buy local train pass? or just buy one by one by ticket?

    My friend told me that we can by SUICA card, top up, and we can used this card to train that not covered by JR pass? is that true? please help me. Thank you.

  4. Liza S says:

    Hi Mr. Takeshi!
    My parents (80 and 74 years old) and myself are going to Osaka in Feb 23-Mar 2to celebrate both of their birthdays.
    Its our first time to visit Japan. We will be staying Hotel New Hankyu and the whole trip and planning to see Kyoto and Nara as daytrips only.
    This is our plan:
    Day 1: Osaka- see nearby places Dotonbori, Namba, Shinsaibashi
    Day 2: Momofuku Ramen Museum
    Osaka Castle
    Day 3: Umeda Observatory, Osaka Aquarium

    Day 4: Universal Studios Japan
    Day 5: To Kyoto
    Day 6: To Nara
    Day 7: To KIX
    Do i need purchase JR pass?I am confused with what pass I need to buy. Our itinerary is not that packed as need to just travel easy and relax with my 2 parents , they cannot walk that fast.
    Thanks Mr. Takeshi

  5. Julinda says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    Just want to know if I stay hotel near Namba station, which train I better choose from Kansai Airport ? then better round trip or single fare ? I stay in Japan from 15 till 21 March.
    I would like to stay at Kyoto too about 2 days around 17-19 March and see Nara, Kobe too but maybe one day trip enough or should stay at there ? if stay maybe Osaka-Kobe/Nara-Kyoto and back again to Osaka hotel near airport. Please also advise which station is most recommended in Kyoto ( for better transportation ? so I will look for hotel near that station ( in Osaka, I choose Namba station ). Thanks before.

  6. Marvs says:

    Hi, Takeshi-san.

    Konnichiwa!

    Just want to seek your help in choosing the most convenient yet budget-friendly transportation for my itinerary below:

    Point of origin:
    Shin-Imamiya Area

    Day 1
    > Eastern Kyoto

    Go back to Shin-Imamiya

    Day 2
    >Western Kyoto

    Go back to Shin-Imamiya

    Day 3
    >Southern Kyoto
    >Nara Area

    Go back to Shin-Imamiya

    Day 4
    >Kobe Area

    Go back to Shin-Imamiya

    Day 5
    >Osaka Area

    Go back to Shin-Imamiya

    Thank you very much.

    Marvs

  7. Ratna says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    We are family of 4 and will be arriving in Kansai airport to stay in Osaka for 6 nights (30th march to 6th april). we are staying near Tanimachi Yonchome Station. WE plan to visit near by sites including Osaka castle but, also, plan to visit Universal studio, Acquarium, Himeji Castle, Nara and yashino. Nara and yashino depends on cherry blossom weather.

    To get from the airport to Yonchome station and also, to visit near by places what pass would you recommend? for other places, is it better to get one day pass? are there any family passes (2 adults and 2 children)

    Many thanks
    Ratna

  8. Albert says:

    Hi Takeshi,
    Me and my wife will be staying nearby Sakuragawa station for 4 nights. Please guide us which is the most feasible and budget way:
    -From KIX to Sakuragawa station
    -From Sakuragawa to Kyoto
    Thank you.

  9. Eelyn says:

    Hi Takeshi,
    Could I get your help please?
    Day 1 I’m flying into KIX and will stay at Tennoji Station.
    Day 2 we intend to go Arashimaya from Tennoji. (Which JR can we take using the Kansai pass?)
    Day 3 Tennoji to Kobe.

    Would it be better to take the 3 Day Kansai Pass?

    Thanks a lot!

  10. Ann says:

    Hi takeshi,,

    I still cannot decide which pass i should take with the tight budget, can you help me. This is my itenary for next week.
    We will stay 1 night in kyoto and 4night in Tennoji osaka
    1) KIX to Kyoto (Arashyima, Inari,
    2) Kyoto to shiga (biwako) then back to Tennoji osaka
    3) Tennoji to Nara – Dotonbori, shinsibashi
    4) Tennoji to Kobe
    5) Tennoji to Namba, Umeda
    5) Tennoji to KIX

    I really hope that you can help me.

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